Winter Wildlife in Yellowstone

Expedition Overview

Expedition Overview

Learn about the reintroduction of wolves to the park, and seek out these elusive creatures on a safari in the sweeping Lamar Valley.

Meet an Emmy® Award-winning wildlife cinematographer and hear about his career shooting wildlife films for National Geographic.

Explore the remote reaches of Yellowstone in heated snow coaches, and see famous sites like Old Faithful without the crowds.

Walk along the rim of the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and wander amid an otherworldly landscape of mudpots and fumaroles in the Upper Geyser Basin.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Experience the magic of Yellowstone in the quiet of winter. Watch shaggy herds of bison shake snow off their backs as elk browse nearby. Learn about the return of Yellowstone’s wolves and a study, partially funded by the National Geographic Society, on their impact on the park. Take in Yellowstone's brilliant views as you discover steaming geysers and dramatic canyons.

Day 1: Bozeman, Montana/Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming

Travel from Bozeman, Montana to our hotel just outside Yellowstone National Park. Gather this evening for a private welcome reception and dinner.

Meals Included:Dinner

Accommodations:Best Western Gardiner

Day 2: Mammoth Hot Springs/Lamar Valley

At Mammoth Hot Springs, stroll the steaming, colorful mineral-spring terraces outlined in snow. Later, head to the open, rolling meadows and wide vistas of the Lamar Valley where wolves were first reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995. Using a spotting scope, search among herds of elk and bison for coyotes, eagles, and the elusive wolf. An Emmy® award-winning wildlife cinematographer joins us this evening (schedule permitting) to discuss his career shooting films about wolves and other wildlife for National Geographic.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:Best Western Gardiner

Days 3-4: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone/Old Faithful

Travel by private snow coach to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Walk to the rim of the spectacular gorge to see its thundering waterfall and the ice arch that forms from the spray. Continue to Old Faithful to explore a dramatic landscape of erupting geysers, frozen waterfalls, and gem-colored mineral pools. Keep an eye out for wildlife—bison, encrusted in ice, often stand among the pools for warmth. After dark, step outside to admire the incredible canopy of stars in one of the world's best constellation-viewing spots.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Accommodations:Old Faithful Snow Lodge

Day 5: Yellowstone/Big Sky, Montana

This morning, wander amid the bubbling mud pots and fumaroles of the Upper Geyser Basin. After visiting the whimsical Fountain Paint Pots, leave the park via the West Yellowstone gate. Travel to Big Sky, Montana and settle into a comfortable log cabin lodge. This evening, celebrate your winter adventure in Yellowstone at a farewell dinner.